Captain Gerrard, 34, is contemplating retirement from international football after England's disastrous World Cup campaign in which they failed to make it past the group stages.

But ex-England midfielder Barry, 33, has told the Liverpool skipper to carry on playing international football for as long as he can.

He said: "I think he should keep playing.

"If Steven wants to play and an England squad is being picked you've got to say he's the best man for the job playing central midfield.

"Looking at his performances for Liverpool last season, he was one of the best players in the Premier League so if there's no-one else better than him he should be playing for England.

"That's Steven's decision in his head whether he still wants to do it.

"I know Steven but I don't know his decision. It's a really tough one when you're England captain and you're being urged to play on as well so it's a big decision for him."

PONDERING: Steven Gerrard is considering his international future after another disappointing World Cup [GETTY ]

“I think he should keep playing”

Gareth Barry

With former Chelsea man Frank Lampard also considering quitting international football, England boss Roy Hodgson could be left without much experience in midfield.

And Barry reckons that could have a negative effect on the development of younger players such as Jack Wilshere, Jordan Henderson and his own Everton team-mate Ross Barkley.

He said: "If you go through the players that are available centrally, Jack Wilshere, Ross, Jordan Henderson, there are players but they're young and maybe need a few more years to make the next level to world-class.

"When they're not being spoken about as world-class and obviously Steven is, you'll want him to be the first name on the sheet so it's always a difficult one.

BEING FRANK: Frank Lampard has said he needs to take serious thought over his England future [GETTY ]

"Roy Hodgson's concern is that they may lack experience, if two experienced players go at the same time then there's a big hole to be filled."

Barry missed out on this summer's World Cup but has his own memories of a disappointing World Cup.

The veteran midfielder was heavily criticised for his performance when England were dumped out of the 2010 World Cup by Germany in the last 16.

And Barry knows the current crop will struggle to put their Brazil horror show behind them heading into the new Premier League season.

He added: "They will be on holiday now, trying to switch off and be away from everything.

"But as soon as they come back to a football environment they will have memories of what they experienced in the summer.

"Like anything in football they will want the Premier League to start and they'll want to show everyone how good a player they are."